You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your house.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mankato area.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your AC costs will be greater.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than running the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical bills low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it allows pros to spot small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Northern Comfort Inc

If you want to save more energy this summer, our Northern Comfort Inc experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 507-387-6596 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.